Role of Aliens in Science Fiction Film

This study examines the role of aliens, known as extraterrestrial life, in science fiction films exemplified by Independence Day (1996) and Arrival (2016). Through a comparative analysis, the research explores how aliens has symbolized the unknown and fear, reflect human characteristics, values, and social issues. The study reveals that the portrayal of aliens has shifted over the decades from merely stimulating curiosity and entertainment to conveying profound global messages. By depicting alien encounters, these films uncover the inner core of humanity and highlight the darker aspects of human nature, demonstrating the significant traits and ethical dilemmas that define human existence. This study further illustrates the depiction of aliens in film-making often serves as a mirror of human beings wants for power and control, and selfishness, emphasizing the complexity of the coexistence and the ethical concern that arises from the appearance of The Unknown and in the face of difference.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
Communications in Humanities Research
Published
2025-05-23
DOI
https://doi.org/10.54254/2753-7064/2024.23312
Primary Topic
Utopian, Dystopian, and Speculative Fiction
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Role of Aliens in Science Fiction Film

Zuojian Tang
Communications in Humanities Research
Utopian, Dystopian, and Speculative Fiction
article

Role of Aliens in Science Fiction Film

Zuojian Tang
article en

Abstract

This study examines the role of aliens, known as extraterrestrial life, in science fiction films exemplified by Independence Day (1996) and Arrival (2016). Through a comparative analysis, the research explores how aliens has symbolized the unknown and fear, reflect human characteristics, values, and social issues. The study reveals that the portrayal of aliens has shifted over the decades from merely stimulating curiosity and entertainment to conveying profound global messages. By depicting alien encounters, these films uncover the inner core of humanity and highlight the darker aspects of human nature, demonstrating the significant traits and ethical dilemmas that define human existence. This study further illustrates the depiction of aliens in film-making often serves as a mirror of human beings wants for power and control, and selfishness, emphasizing the complexity of the coexistence and the ethical concern that arises from the appearance of The Unknown and in the face of difference.

Communications in Humanities ResearchVol. 59(1)
Openalex Percentile: Top 88%
Utopian, Dystopian, and Speculative Fiction
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.